Police finds shell casings from weapon fired early Sunday

DURHAM — Detectives are investigating a Sunday morning incident at Mill Pond Plaza where officers located shell casings from a handgun fired sometime just after 1 a.m.

While on duty in the downtown area where local bars and restaurants were closing for the night, police heard what they believed was either fireworks or gunshots coming from the area of the Mill Pond Plaza, according to Deputy Police Chief Rene Kelley.

He said that when officers arrived on scene moments later, they were unable to locate anything. However, when they returned during daylight they found shell casings on the ground.

In surveillance video obtained from the plaza, two males are seen running the length of the plaza from the area of the Federal Savings Bank to the opposite end near the New Hampshire Federal Credit Union. The two men then disappear from view.

At least one round from this weapon, believed to be a 9 mm handgun, struck the back of the credit union building, Kelley said.

Anyone who was in the area at the time the shots were fired who may have witnessed the acts is asked to contact Kelley or Sgt. Frank Daley at 868-2324.